Ship water level dynamic measurement system, draft simulation system and twin method
The ship water level dynamic measurement system, which connects the insulating test electrode to the common electrode and combines digital twin technology, monitors the change in resistance value in real time and generates a simulated water image. This solves the problem of low accuracy in ship draft measurement and realizes real-time visual monitoring and safety decision support for ship water level.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202510758941.X
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-06-09
- Publication Date
- 2026-01-30
- Estimated Expiration
- 2045-06-09
AI Technical Summary
Existing methods for measuring ship draft have low accuracy, especially when waves are large or the ship is violently capsizing, which affects safety monitoring and operational decisions.
A ship water level dynamic measurement system that uses an insulated test electrode connected to a common electrode, combined with digital twin technology, monitors the change in resistance value in real time and generates a simulated water image through a signal processing module to reflect the interaction between the ship and the water.
It improved measurement accuracy, enabled real-time visual monitoring of the ship's water level, enhanced safety decision support, and reduced the impact of marine environmental disturbances.
Smart Images

Figure CN120482274B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of shipbuilding technology, and in particular to a ship water level dynamic measurement system, a draft simulation system, and a twin method. Background Technology
[0002] Ship displacement is the basis for calculating a ship's buoyancy and stability, and displacement is determined based on the draft displayed on the draft gauges at the bow, midships, and stern on both sides of the ship. The conventional method for reading a ship's draft is visual observation, but visual observation has low accuracy and large errors, and different observations often yield different results, especially when the water surface is large, the visual observation results have a large data deviation.
[0003] Furthermore, ships frequently encounter strong winds while sailing at sea, which can cause severe capsizing. Monitoring the ship's condition is therefore a crucial factor in safety control. Dynamically displaying the ship's movement and pitching status not only facilitates real-time monitoring but also helps in determining subsequent routes, cargo layout, and weight. The ship's operational status can be accurately reflected by its draft. Summary of the Invention
[0004] This invention addresses the shortcomings of existing technologies by providing a dynamic measurement system for ship water level, a draft simulation system, and a twin method.
[0005] The technical solution of the present invention to solve the above-mentioned technical problems is as follows:
[0006] In a first aspect, a dynamic measurement system for ship water level is provided, including a hull, a plurality of test electrodes are provided on the outside of the hull, the plurality of test electrodes are insulated from the hull, and a control unit is also provided.
[0007] The control unit includes a signal sampling module, a signal processing module, and a signal transmitting module or a signal transmission module;
[0008] The signal sampling module is electrically connected to a common electrode located on the underwater part of the hull, and the signal sampling module is also connected to the test electrode; the signal sampling module is used to collect the resistance value between each of the test electrodes and the common electrode;
[0009] The signal processing module is used to process the resistance values collected by the signal sampling module;
[0010] The signal transmitting module is used to send the processed resistance value to the ship's control room;
[0011] Alternatively, the signal transmitting module may process the collected resistance value and transmit it to the ship's control room through the signal transmission module.
[0012] Furthermore, the test electrode is electrically connected to the signal sampling module via a cable bundle.
[0013] Furthermore, the test electrode includes an insulating base and a terminal embedded in the insulating base.
[0014] In a second aspect, a ship draft simulation system is provided, including the ship water level dynamic measurement system described in the first aspect, and also including a digital twin system;
[0015] Thirdly, a method for generating a ship water level twin is provided, comprising the ship draft simulation system described in the second aspect, including the following steps:
[0016] Step 11: Preset the initial state of the simulated water image;
[0017] Step 12: Preset resistance value - simulate water image mapping rules, and establish a water level status database on the ship model based on the resistance values between each test electrode and the common electrode;
[0018] Step 13: Collect the resistance values between each test electrode and the common electrode, and update the simulated water image of the corresponding simulated point on the ship model according to the water level status database;
[0019] Step 14: Stitch together the basic units of the simulated water image of all the simulated points to form a complete simulated image;
[0020] Step 15: Repeat steps 12 to 14 at the next sampling time interval.
[0021] Furthermore, step 11 specifically includes:
[0022] The surface of the ship model is divided into a regular grid, with each grid point corresponding to a simulation point. A unique identifier is assigned to each simulation point, and its three-dimensional coordinates are recorded.
[0023] Furthermore, it also includes the display of the ship's swaying state, by collecting signals from the ship's onboard gyroscope to determine the current tilt direction and angle of the ship, and updating the display accordingly.
[0024] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following technical effects:
[0025] (1) In this invention, by setting an insulating structure between the test electrode and the hull, and using a cable bundle to connect the test electrode and the signal sampling module, the interference of the hull's metal structure on the resistance measurement is effectively avoided, significantly improving the measurement accuracy. The insulating base design of the test electrode not only enhances the electrode's corrosion resistance, but also ensures the stability of the electrical connection by embedding terminals, reducing contact problems caused by seawater erosion. This design enables the system to operate stably for a long time in complex marine environments, providing a reliable data foundation for dynamic monitoring of ship water levels.
[0026] (2) In this invention, the draft simulation system built based on the ship's dynamic water level measurement system achieves real-time visualization of the interaction between the ship and the water body through digital twin technology. The system presets the initial state of the simulated water image and the resistance value-simulated water image mapping rules, enabling it to dynamically update the water level status on the ship model based on the real-time collected resistance value data. This real-time capability not only improves the accuracy of the simulation but also generates a complete simulated image by stitching together the basic water image units of all simulated points, intuitively displaying the draft of various parts of the ship. This provides intuitive decision support for ship maintenance personnel and helps to promptly identify potential water ingress risks. Attached Figure Description
[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the ship water level dynamic measurement system of the present invention;
[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the test electrodes partially submerged in seawater.
[0029] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the test electrodes completely submerged in seawater.
[0030] In the diagram, 1 represents the hull; 2 represents the test electrode; and 3 represents seawater. Detailed Implementation
[0031] The principles and features of the present invention are described below with reference to examples. The examples are only used to explain the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.
[0032] like Figures 1-3 As shown, a ship water level dynamic measurement system includes a hull 1, a plurality of test electrodes 2 are provided on the outside of the hull 1, the plurality of test electrodes 2 are insulated from the hull 1, and a control unit is also included.
[0033] The control unit is the core of the entire system, responsible for signal sampling, processing and transmission. The control unit includes a signal sampling module, a signal processing module and a signal transmission module.
[0034] The signal sampling module is electrically connected to a common electrode located in the underwater part of the hull 1, and the signal sampling module is also connected to the test electrode 2; the signal sampling module is used to collect the resistance value between each of the test electrodes 2 and the common electrode, and transmit the resistance value to the signal processing module.
[0035] The signal processing module is used to process the resistance values collected by the signal sampling module. The processing includes steps such as filtering, amplification, and digitization to remove noise and interference and improve the accuracy and reliability of the signal. The processed signal will be transmitted to the signal transmission module.
[0036] The signal transmitting module is used to send the processed resistance value to the ship's control room. Users can then remotely monitor changes in the ship's draft and take necessary measures in a timely manner.
[0037] The working principle of the ship's dynamic water level measurement system is based on the conductivity of seawater 3. When seawater 3 completely submerges test electrode 2, the resistance between test electrode 2 and the common electrode is essentially equal and remains within a relatively stable constant range. This is because seawater 3 contains a large amount of salt, which provides excellent conductivity. However, when seawater 3 approaches the hull 1 and the water level is relatively thin, such as when waves crash against the hull 1, the conductivity of seawater 3 weakens, and the resistance between test electrode 2 and the common electrode increases. Similarly, when test electrode 2 is completely submerged in seawater 3, its resistance increases further. Based on this, the signal sampling module collects the changes in resistance between test electrode 2 and the common electrode in real time and transmits them to the signal processing module for processing. The processed resistance value is then sent to the ship's control room via the signal transmission module for user analysis and judgment. By monitoring changes in resistance, users can understand the ship's draft in real time and take appropriate safety measures.
[0038] In some implementations, the test electrode 2 includes an insulating base and a terminal embedded in the insulating base. The insulating base is used to isolate the electrical contact between the electrode and the hull 1, and the terminal is used to make an electrical connection with the signal sampling module to realize signal transmission.
[0039] In some implementations, the control unit includes a signal transmission module, which processes the collected resistance value and transmits it to the ship's control room.
[0040] Example 2
[0041] A ship draft simulation system includes the aforementioned ship water level dynamic measurement system and a digital twin system. The digital twin system includes a simulation computer on which a ship model is mounted. Simulation points are located on the ship model at positions corresponding to the test electrodes 2 on the hull 1. The simulation points display different simulated water images based on the resistance values between each test electrode 2 and the common electrode at a certain moment.
[0042] In the ship's dynamic water level measurement system, a reference electrode provides a baseline resistance value. A signal sampling module collects the resistance values between each test electrode 2 and the common electrode in real time. These resistance values are processed by a signal processing module and then transmitted to the ship's control room via a signal transmission module. On the simulation computer, based on the received resistance values, the resistance values between the electrodes are converted into a visual representation of a simulated water image. This simulated water image is updated in real time, reflecting the interaction between the ship hull 1 and the water body. Changes in the simulated water image visually present the water level. The thickness, color, and transparency of the water body are adjusted according to the resistance values. For example, a low resistance value displayed as dark blue, highly transparent water indicates a completely submerged state; a high resistance value displayed as light blue, low-transparency water indicates a thin layer of seawater 3 or a non-contact state.
[0043] Example 3
[0044] A method for generating a ship water level twin, based on the aforementioned ship draft simulation system, includes the following steps;
[0045] Step 11: Set the initial state of the simulated water image.
[0046] The surface of the ship model is divided into a regular grid, with each grid point corresponding to a simulation point. The grid point spacing is determined to ensure that the entire surface of the ship hull is covered. A unique identifier, such as Grid_Point_ID, is assigned to each simulation point, and its three-dimensional coordinates are recorded.
[0047] The initial simulated water image is set to a transparent, waterless state, with a white color (RGB: 255, 255, 255), 100% transparency, and 0 water thickness.
[0048] Step 12: Preset resistance value - simulate water image mapping rules. Based on the resistance values between each test electrode 2 and the common electrode at a certain moment, establish a water level status database on the ship model.
[0049] The resistance value is mapped to the simulated water image according to the rule that the smaller the resistance value, the darker the color of the simulated water image. For example, when test electrode 2 is fully submerged, the image color is dark blue (RGB: 0, 0, 255), the transparency is 50%, and the water thickness is at its maximum. When test electrode 2 is in a thin layer of seawater 3, the image color is light blue (RGB: 135, 206, 235), the transparency is 70%, and the water thickness is medium. When test electrode 2 is not in contact, the image color is white (RGB: 255, 255, 255), the transparency is 100%, and the water thickness is 0.
[0050] Design a database table structure for water level status, including fields such as simulation point identifier, resistance value, simulated water image color, and water level status. Each simulation point corresponds to a record in the water level status database, which includes the identifier of the current simulation point, the current resistance value, the simulated water image color, and the water level status.
[0051] During the simulation, the water level status information in the water level status database is updated in a timely manner as the resistance value changes, and the database is backed up regularly to prevent data loss or damage.
[0052] Step 13: Collect the resistance values between each test electrode 2 and the common electrode, and update the simulated water image color of the corresponding simulated point on the ship model according to the water level status database.
[0053] At a certain moment, the resistance values between each test electrode 2 and the common electrode are collected. Based on the collected resistance values, the resistance value-simulated water image mapping rule is queried to determine the color, transparency, and water thickness of the simulated water image for the corresponding simulated point. The corresponding simulated point is then located on the ship model, and its simulated water image parameters are updated.
[0054] Step 14: Piece together the basic units of the simulated water image at all the simulated points to form a complete simulated image.
[0055] Iterate through all simulation points, stitch together the basic units of the simulated water image according to their positions, and use a 3D rendering engine to perform image synthesis to ensure seamless connection.
[0056] The simulated image is updated in real time as the resistance value changes and the database is updated to reflect the current water level status; the simulated image can be displayed on the user interface and interactive functions such as zooming, rotating, or viewing historical water level data can be provided.
[0057] Step 15: Repeat steps 12 to 14 at the next sampling time interval.
[0058] At the next sampling interval, steps 12 to 14 are executed again to update the simulated image in real time to reflect the dynamic changes in the ship's water level.
[0059] Example 4
[0060] A method for generating a ship's water level twin also includes displaying the swaying state of the hull 1, comprising the following steps: obtaining the current tilt direction and angle of the hull by collecting signals from the ship's onboard gyroscope, and updating the display.
[0061] Because the submerged portion of the hull is easily covered by marine organisms such as barnacles when sailing at sea, these organisms can attach to the electrodes and affect measurement results. Therefore, an automatic cleaning device can be installed at the electrode location to periodically clean the electrodes. This cleaning can be mechanical or based on electrochemical principles to ensure that marine organisms do not adhere to the underwater electrodes, thus guaranteeing the accuracy of the measurement results. The specific structure of the cleaning device itself can be achieved using existing technology and is not the focus of this patent; therefore, it will not be elaborated upon here.
[0062] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. A ship draft simulation system, characterized by, The application relates to a ship water level dynamic measurement system and a digital twin system. The ship water level dynamic measurement system comprises a ship body, a plurality of test electrodes arranged outside the ship body and insulated from the ship body, and a control unit; the control unit comprises a signal sampling module, a signal processing module and a signal transmitting module or a signal transmitting module; the signal sampling module is electrically connected with a common electrode arranged at a lower part of the ship body, and the signal sampling module is also connected with the test electrodes; the signal sampling module is used for collecting the resistance values between the test electrodes and the common electrode; the signal processing module is used for processing the resistance values collected by the signal sampling module; The signal transmitting module is used for transmitting the processed resistance values to a ship control room; or the signal transmitting module transmits the collected resistance values to the ship control room through the signal transmitting module after processing; The digital twin system comprises a simulation computer, and a ship model is arranged on the simulation computer; simulation points are arranged on the ship model at positions corresponding to the test electrodes of the ship body; the simulation points present simulation water images with different thicknesses according to the resistance values between the test electrodes and the common electrode at a certain moment.
2. A ship draft simulation system according to claim 1, characterized in that The test electrodes are electrically connected with the signal sampling module through a cable bundle.
3. A ship draft simulation system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The test electrodes comprise an insulating base and a connecting post embedded in the insulating base.
4. A ship water level twin method comprising the ship draft simulation system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The application comprises the following steps: Step 11: presetting an initial state of a simulation water image; Step 12: presetting a resistance value-simulation water image mapping rule, establishing a water level state database on the ship model according to the resistance values between the test electrodes and the common electrode; Step 13: collecting the resistance values between the test electrodes and the common electrode, and updating the simulation water images of the corresponding simulation points on the ship model according to the water level state database; Step 14: splicing the simulation water image basic units of all the simulation points together to form a complete simulation image; Step 15: executing steps 12 to 14 again at the next sampling time interval.
5. A ship draft twin method according to claim 4, characterized in that, In step 11, the following steps are further included: The surface of the ship model is divided into regular grids, each grid point corresponds to a simulation point, and each simulation point is assigned a unique identifier and its three-dimensional coordinates are recorded.
6. A ship draft twin method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The application further comprises display of the ship body rocking state, the current ship body inclination direction and angle are obtained by collecting the signals of a ship-mounted gyroscope, and the display is updated.
Citation Information
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